Adding a low-key drummer.

[Eilif]

Looking for some advice on how to attract/find the right kind of drummer.

I'm currently jamming on Pedal Steel with an upright player and Singer/songwriter who plays acoustic guitar. We've got a nice semi-acoustic thing going with an alt-country, roots-rock kind of vibe. Planning ahead (we're not even gigging yet) we're discussing adding a drummer. Consensus seems to be that it would have to be a drummer with a light touch and a very limited kit, probably without a bass drum. A full drum kit is not going to work for the kind of music we write, the venues we want to play or the places we rehearse.

Have any of you been successful in attracting this kind of player? How does one describe this kind of player or setup? I was using the term "Cocktail kit" but apparently that's a more specific type of stand-up kit. Maybe say we're looking for a "Snare player"?

This is a bit more traditional than what we do, but this is the sort of drummer/percussionist I'd love to find.

 

[AGCurry]

I saw Junior Brown a few years ago, playing with a bassist and drummer. The drummer had only a snare drum and high hat. Bass drum? I don't need no steenkin' bass drum!

 

[Eilif]

I saw Junior Brown a few years ago, playing with a bassist and drummer. The drummer had only a snare drum and high hat. Bass drum? I don't need no steenkin' bass drum!

That's exactly what I'm thinking! We've got an upright bass thumping along just fine and a bass drum adds a volume level that we just don't need.

One of those hipster setups with a bass drum pedal hitting a vintage suitcase might be ok, but even then, you're adding a level of sonic intensity that goes against the vibe we're putting together.

 

[surfguitar]

Quote: "One of those hipster setups with a bass drum pedal hitting a vintage suitcase might be ok."
That's amazing how we have gone full circle! My first drum set was just that. A snare, suitcase 'bass drum' a small ride cymbal and a high hat. Rather than tell the drummer what to bring, explain in detail your music and let the drummers who audition pick the appropriate set. While bass and guitar are my preference, I have played drums in groups as you describe and have been able to meld with their sound. For example, a sensitive and skilled drummer who has a 'cocktail' drum set might be fantastic.

 

[Shalto]

Advertise that its low volume. You might add that you want them to play a skeleton kit (btw you can make a bass drum pretty quiet if you want, its possible to mufflers quieter than a suitcase and pedal)

 

[buldog5151bass]

Just describe the music, and provide a link, even to a 30 second clip. This way they know what they are getting into.

 

[J_Bass]

Maybe a Cajon player would fit in?

 

[mrcbass]

Maybe look for a percussionist rather than a drummer? Might attract a different mindset than the typical bam-bam.

I know a guy near Seattle who's and awesome and tasteful drummer who would absolutely dig the unusualness of your project, so I know they exist.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I get a lot of calls for drums because I can adjust my volume. Just ask if they have volume control, and that it's a deal breaker if they don't. If they come in and audition, and start bashing, cut them off, send them home, tell them it's not going to work out. I don't like being the a-hole like that, people get upset, but really, don't waste my time if you didn't read the ad. I don't care how good your chops are, it's not going to work, please leave. thanks! next!

 

[knumbskull]

In case any use:

For quiet drumming gigs, I used to use a floor tom with a towel in it as a bass drum. It was aligned vertically with a batter head on the base & i flipped my kick beater around to strike upwards.

it gave a nice controlled thump that was not too loud or overwhelming and worked well with acoustic sounds. A fluffy beater helped soften the attack some.

(plus a snare with brushes and cymbal/hi hat as needed.)

 

[scott sinner]

I think starting the headline with 'low volume', maybe 'minimalist' and then give some of the examples here

• cocktail kit
• small jazz kit
• suit case kit
• cajon
• small percussion setup

 

[jerry]

Just talk to any good drummers. Most drummers I know will adjust their kits and playing to the gig accordingly. Most also have cajons.

 

[JRA]

i think you're looking for a player who can grok the part --- look for that instead of trying to dictate 'the kit'.

good luck finding the right personnel!

 

[sean_on_bass]

You need a traditional jazz drummer. They tend to use smaller kits, down to a single snare drum and know how to play with an acoustic band and not blow everyone out of the water.

 

[MIMike]

Advertise for a “percussionist” to play cajon and other percussion instruments to keep time in your low volume / low key ensemble.

 

[Eilif]

Thanks for the advise folks. I'm not a big fan of the cajon in this situation since it seems to occupy a similar space as the upright bass and a good snare sound would add more to our music. However, I think advertising for a "Snare Percussionist" or some-such might be a way to get the point across. Along with recordings of our tunes of course.

 

[bignote]

A good drummer with a cocktail kit can make your dreams come true. Maybe hard to find but good luck.

 

[Aceman]

I saw Junior Brown a few years ago, playing with a bassist and drummer. The drummer had only a snare drum and high hat. Bass drum? I don't need no steenkin' bass drum!

I think this is a fantastic idea. Keep it lean. Bass is the bass. Snare/hat is rhythm. Let the songs be the songs.

 

[CB3UK]

You're looking for a drummer who uses brushes, snare and hit/hat, and maybe a floor tom.

 

[Mark Knapp]

It would probably spoil the look, but what about an electronic kit? The actually have a volume control...